"I bring greetings on behalf of Mitt," Ryan said at the start of the rally. "Right now he's in Louisiana meeting with victims of the hurricane, bringing attention to those who are in Isaac's path so that we can make sure that people send their prayers and their dollars to the Red Cross and other charities because there are people there that need our help."

Ryan told the crowd the campaign chose Richmond as its first stop following the Republican National Convention in Tampa.

Both Mitt Romney and President Barack Obama have made several campaign trips to the Commonwealth this election year.

The CBS 6 crew on scene observed at least two people pass out in the hot weather while waiting for the afternoon rally to begin.